Top 10 greatest IPL cricket matches of all time

by Cricketbeing
TATA IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL), founded in 2008, has captivated cricket fans around the globe since its inception. It emerged as one of the most thrilling T20 tournaments in the world and a highly lucrative league. Throughout the years, the tournament organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) delivered unforgettable matches filled with nail-biting finishes as well as remarkable comebacks. 

Among the most iconic games is the first-ever IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal challengers Bengaluru in 2008. All other seasons, particularly the 2019, 2020, and 2024 seasons also saw various exhilarating matches. Notably, each season brings new excitement, with breathtaking performances from seasoned players and emerging stars alike. The unpredictable nature of the T20 format ensures that no match in IPL is ever truly over until the last ball is delivered.

In this article, we explore some of the most electrifying matches in the history of IPL that have made a lasting impression on cricket fans around the globe.

Unforgettable IPL Showdowns

  1. KKR vs RCB – 2008
  2. KXIP vs CSK – 2010
  3. MI vs KKR – 2011
  4. KXIP vs CSK – 2014
  5. RPS vs MI – 2017
  6. SRH vs MI – 2019
  7. MI vs CSK – 2019
  8. RCB vs MI – 2020
  9. GT vs CSK- 2023 final
  10. SRH vs RCB- 2024

Let’s delve into the details of each top IPL match.

KKR vs RCB – Season 2008

The first-ever IPL match was contested between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 18, 2008. At the start of the first game, the commentators proclaimed that the IPL would revolutionize cricket.

Kolkata showcased top-notch performance, highlighted by New Zealand batter Brendon McCullum, who amassed an unbeaten 158 off just 73 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and 13 maximums. His effort saw the then Sourav Ganguly-led side post a formidable total of 222/3. In the second innings, KKR’s bowlers impressed, bowling out RCB for a below-par 82 runs in just 15.1 overs, with Ajit Agarkar claiming three wickets. This dominant victory set an electrifying tone for the IPL.

KXIP vs CSK – Season 2010

Mahendra Singh Dhoni had firmly established himself as a key figure in the T20 format by the 2010 IPL season. The former India captain also earned the title of “finisher” at that time. After being asked to bat first, the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) posted a reasonable total of 192 runs in Dharamsala on April 18, 2010.

In response, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) found themselves in trouble at 27/2 after just four overs. CSK were on the verge of losing the match, needing 16 runs off the last over.   Irfan Pathan was tasked with bowling that crucial last over. Interestingly, Dhoni demonstrated remarkable resilience and led the side to victory after facing just four balls in the final over. He finished off the match in style, scoring an unbeaten 54 runs off just 29 balls, and eventually earned the Player of the Match award.

MI vs KKR – Season 2011

Mumbai Indians matches are always a source of excitement that captivates fans with their dynamic gameplay. In the IPL 2011 season, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) crossed swords at the iconic Eden Gardens on May 22. After being asked to bat first, KKR posted 175/7, with Jacques Kallis scoring a half-century.

MI struggled from the start and could reach only 137/5 in 17.3 overs. They reached a position, needing 40 runs in 2.3 overs and MI fans were seen leaving the stadium, feeling disheartened. However, MI is renowned for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, showcasing yet another remarkable performance in the final stages of the innings. James Franklin was at the crease when Mumbai needed 21 runs off the final over and L Balaji was tasked with bowling it. The MI batter smashed four boundaries in a row, followed by a last-ball six from Ambati Rayudu as MI won the game by five wickets.

KXIP vs CSK – Season 2014

In a qualifier cricket match on May 30, 2014, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) faced off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After being put to bat first, Punjab posted a hefty total of 226/6 with Virender Sehwag scoring a 58-ball 122, including 12 boundaries and eight maximums.

CSK’s hopes dimmed quickly as Faf du Plessis fell on the second ball for a golden duck. However, Suresh Raina, popularly known as Mr. IPL, played an explosive 25-ball 8 and 7 bringing CSK back into contention as they reached 100 runs inside the powerplay. Unfortunately, he was run out after six overs. However, captain MS Dhoni blazed his guns, but CSK could reach only 202/7.

RPS vs MI – Season 2017

The 2017 final saw Mumbai Indians (MI) locking horns with Rising Pune Supergiant. Despite their impressive performances over the years, MI struggled in the final as they were in dire straits at 79/7. However, lower-order batters Mitchell Johnson and Krunal Pandya added crucial runs and allowed them to finish at 129/8.

On the flip side, CSK made a strong start while pursuing a target that seemed relatively easy to chase. With 11 runs needed in the final over, the match started poorly with Manoj Tiwary hitting a four on the first ball. However, MI managed to pick two quick wickets and won the final by just 1 run.

SRH vs MI – Season 2019

Another memorable match occurred on April 6, 2019, between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. Alzarri Joseph, then 22 years old, replaced veteran Lasith Malinga in the MI lineup and made a quick impact. Batting first Mumbai could achieve a below-par score of 137/7, with Kieron Pollard scoring an unbeaten 46 runs. It seemed that SRH would win the game but MI had other plans. 

Josephy made his debut in the fourth over of the second innings, dismissed David Warner, and finished with impressive figures of 6/12, breaking the previous record of 6/14 set by Sohail Tanvir in 2008. His brilliant spell saw MI restrict SRH to a mere 96 runs in 17.4 overs.

MI vs CSK – 2019 final

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns in a nail-biting final, on May 12 2019 in Hyderabad. After deciding to bat first, MI posted 149/8, a modest total for a final. CSK got off to a flying start in pursuit of a target which seemed relatively easy to chase. Shane Watson anchored teh innings for CSK, scoring a 59-ball 80-run knock. However, MI bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga stepped up to the occasion and effortlessly snatched the victory from CSK’s hands. When CSK needed 9 runs from the last 6 balls Malinga took Shardul Thakur’s wicket on the final ball, allowing MI to secure a narrow win.

RCB vs MI – Season 2020

In the 2020 IPL hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) faced off in a thrilling encounter in Dubai on September 28, 2020. Both teams tied with a score of 201 which eventually led to the super over. Ishan Kishan’s knock was particularly impressive as he scored 99 off just 58 balls. In the super over, MI could only manage 7 runs while RCB managed to score 11 and won the match.

GT vs CSK- 2023 final

Gujarat Titans (GT) then led by Hardik Pandya reached their second consecutive final in the Indian Premier League 2023 season. They faced off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the title clash on May 28, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Batting first, GT posted a mammoth total of 214, with Wriddhiman Saha and Sai Sudharsan scoring 54 and 96 runs, respectively. Meanwhile, the target was revised to 171 in 15 overs due to persistent rain. CSK started off their chase strongly but struggled in the middle of the reverse day of the match. However, CSK reached a position, needing 133 of the final six deliveries. Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja added three of the first deliveries and CSK still needed 10 more runs to achieve success. Jadeja emerged as the savior for CSK, scoring a maximum and boundary as CSk clinched their record-equalling fifth title under MS Dhoni’s leadership.

SRH vs RCB- 2024

In a thrilling match held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 15, 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) locked horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). After being put to bat first, SRH batters blazed their guns, achieving a score of 287/3, marking the highest score in IPL history. Travis Head scored a century while Heinrich Klaasen achieved a stunning half-century.

In response, RCB’s middle-order collapsed but Dinesh Karthik led their chase with a valiant 83 runs but fell short as they lost the game by 25 runs. Earlier captain Faf du Plessis scored a quickfire 28-ball 62-run knock.

The match set a record for the highest aggregate in T20 format, with 549 runs scored between both sides. Additionally, a total of 38 sixes were hit, matching the joint-highest number in a T20 match.

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